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They can give advice on how to decorate the table for guests or for another special occasion. "You will choose one type of flower for a wedding, a different type for a funeral and a third for decorating a formal business dinner. Different spaces and events require appropriate flowers for each occasion."

Vallianos says that agronomists can be wonderful flower growers. However, florists are those who bear the burden of the whole process after the production reaches the market, i.e. after trimming the bloom. Currently, the florist in Greece is either self-educated or has specialised abroad in order for him to be competitive.

From the flower shop to the global market

The beauty of flowers alone may be enough to inspire us but flower designers create a whole new world by turning flowers into a work of art. In order for someone to participate in the global competition for florists, which is held every four years in a different country, that person must be declared as the best of his or her country.

Vallianos stresses that there is a whole set of criteria that are combined into four main groups - idea, colours, technique and composition. The artists have to demonstrate their skills and creaivity in five to seven themes, including creation of a bridal bouquet or flower decoration for a reception, cocktail, arrangement of space.

"It takes technical skills, a unique approach, innovative techniques in the arrangement of the flowers under very stringent criteria for completing the tasks," says Marios Vallianos who has been the chairman of the international jury of the competition for florists since 1998. The preparation for these competitions starts several months before the competition itself.

At the last international competition in September 2011, Russia's Natalia Shishkova won the award for world florist designer. An Englishman ranked second and a Finn was third. This September, a European competition for young designers, florists, aged up to 26 years, will be held, which will give an opportunity to young talents to present new trends in the arrangement of flowers.

Tips

Always use seasonal flowers – this is the first advice of florists. They bear the scent of the period in which you want to celebrate or just want to improve the atmosphere around you. Consider the space you want to decorate. A small ikebana on your desk can improve your performance and make you more productive. Avoid large shapes when decorating a festive table. People want to look themselves in the eye and talk - big flowers may be beautiful, but they will be more of a hindrance if you want to make the atmosphere around the table sincerer. Do not be afraid to enter a professional shop to get advice and buy something you like. Flowers can be considered a luxury in times of crisis, but they give a unique feeling of beauty to an otherwise grey life. Delight yourself and others.